Hancock Women’s Water Polo Off To Best Start In Program History

Sep 13, 2017

The Bulldog women's water polo team finished 2-2 in the Cuesta Invitational. The team lost their opening game 11-9 against Fresno City before winning two straight against Foothill, 15-6, and Diablo Valley, 8-2. The Bulldogs dropped their last game 13-6 against West Valley.

In the opening game against Fresno City the Bulldogs led in the second quarter 3-2 behind two goals from freshman Maddison Stangl, graduate of Cabrillo High School. Stangl finished the game with three goal in her first college match. Although they trailed for the most of the game, the Bulldogs tied up the game at 8-8 with 6:57 in the fourth quarter. The Rams ended the game outscoring the Hancock 3-1. Sophomore Shannon Copeland scored the Bulldog's final goal, her second of the game, with 1:57 left.

The Bulldogs picked up their first win against Foothill 15-6 behind strong goalie play. Freshman Shay McMann and freshman Dominique Rivera, both graduates of Righetti High School, split time in goal. Head coach Dominique Miller wants to get both of her goalkeepers experience early in the season. "Not only do I want to get (McMann) some field time," said Miller. "But if we have any injuries both keepers will have some time in goal." McMann finished the game with eight saves and three steals while Rivera had seven saves and one steal of her own. Copeland, who led the team in goals last season, scored six goals against Foothill.

Copeland kept the scoring going against Diablo Canyon with three goals. Sophomore Meagan Coyne, graduate of Righetti High School, also scored three goals for the Bulldogs. Hancock led the entire game. Coyne scored the first goal at the 5:11 mark in the first quarter. McMann and Rivera combined for 10 saves on the game.

The Bulldogs will be heading to their second tournament on 9/15-16 at Riverside City College. They will open up the two day tournament against tournament host Riverside at 11:15 a.m. on Friday.